Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking shed hunters and other recreationists to let elk be until spring arrives.

People look for antlers that are shed each year in the winter by male elk so that they can grow a new pair. The practice has become quite popular in recent years and has also become s source of competition among shed hunters.

The reason that FWP is asking people to wait until spring is to give elk space as winter is a stressful time of year for them, mostly due to limited food options, depleted fat reserves and deep snowfall.

Snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers are asked to avoid areas where elk are bedded down. If you wish to observe elk, do so from a distance. It’s also critical that any dogs are kept on leashes when elk are present and are not allowed to chase the elk. Dogs chasing elk can also cause a great deal of stress for them (sometimes leading even to the death of the animal), but it could also wind up in the dog being injured or killed. Dog owners can also be cited for permitting dogs to harass wildlife.

Also, while it is illegal to trespass on FWP’s wildlife management areas before they open, chasing elk on accessible lands can lead to a great deal of stress for the animals.